A Bristol pub has won a £1,000 prize at the Great British Pub Awards. Almondsbury Creative, on Gloucester Road in Almondsbury, was awarded the money when it was named runner-up in the Community Hero category.
And the venue says it is donating its winnings to The Grand Appeal, Bristol Children’s Hospital’s charity. The former social club was revived in 2019 when the local community rallied together to prevent its closure.
Now, it stands as a major youth sports hub, supporting more than 300 youth football players and 40 cricket players, as well as a rapidly growing tennis programme that has expanded from 40 to 250 members. The pub’s strong connection to youth sports inspired landlord Garth Jackson and his team to donate their £1,000 prize to The Grand Appeal.
The donation specifically supports Bristol Children’s Hospital‘s British Transplant Games, an event where more than 1,000 young participants – including those who have had organ, stem cell or bone marrow transplants – compete in a celebration of athleticism and resilience.
In addition to its sports focus, Almondsbury Creative is home to some of the area’s most-loved events, including an annual fireworks extravaganza with themes like Harry Potter, The Greatest Showman, and Star Wars. It also hosts the Small Town Big Festival event – a three-day music festival featuring live performances, a kids’ stage, and collaborations with local charities.
Every Friday the pub runs the Kids Creative Club, offering two hours of free entertainment, from singing and dancing, to crafts and movies. Looking to the future, Almondsbury Creative says it remains committed to helping the community with ongoing fundraising efforts, from a new sensory play park for children with disabilities, to raising funds for new cricket nets to support the local team.
Garth Jackson, managing director at Almondsbury Creative, said: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised as a runner-up in the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards. This is truly a testament to the spirit of our amazing community, who have supported us since we took over Almondsbury’s former social club five years ago.
“It was a real community effort to save this historic venue, and we’re so proud to see it thriving today as a hub for local sports and family activities. This award means the world to us. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together, and we’re excited to keep growing, supporting new initiatives and creating a place where everyone can feel at home.”